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Saturday, June 26, 2010

I'm feeling sorry for myself today. I have been training for a half marathon. Back in my high school and college days, running was my life. I lived to run. Is there any simpler sport? All you need is a pair of running shoes and you are off. While it is amazing the amount of gear and gadgets companies sell runners these days, I still believe that at the end of the day the run is between you and the road. (Don't get me wrong, I have been known to indulge in the gear that makes the run a little more enjoyable and me a little more technically savvy.)

For the past few years, life has gotten in the way of those hours of training I used to put in. I found my running shoes getting buried deeper in the closet with each season that passed. Oh I tried to get back into running, but after a 5 year sabbatical it was discouraging to struggle through a two mile run. I just kept thinking back on the shape I used to be in and the miles I used to log and would get discouraged that it took so much effort to complete a two mile run.

This past fall, I decided to try again. I enrolled myself in several fun runs and hit the road. The journey has been very enjoyable. Not only have I explored the roads and trails close to my house, but I have reconnected with old friends and met new ones along the way. My runs no longer look like that ones I took back in the day. Today my runs are equipped with jogging strollers and diaper bags. But that's okay, I still get satisfaction from reaching goals I have set for myself.

That's what brings me to today. I was to run a half marathon. It was the goal that got me training again this spring. And now I'm laid up with a training injury. I began thinking about all the training that was wasted now that I'm not able to run. After a while I began to realize, nothing had been wasted. Every moment I spent training I was doing something good for myself - not just for my health, but for my emotional well being as well. It was about the journey, not just about the final goal. So while I was not able to run today, I will not let it get me down. There are other half marathons and this particular one will be ran again next year. I will look forward to standing on that starting line, pulse racing and my nerves getting the best of me as I wonder, did I train enough? Should I have done one more long run?

If you have never done a local fun run, I suggest you really look into it. Even if you are not a runner, there are several people who walk the course. Don't be afraid to take your kids - it can be a great way to meet other moms and it's an activity the whole family can enjoy. The people you meet and the encouragement and positive atmosphere at a road race is very uplifting. As a bonus, many fun runs are fundraisers for good causes. So not only are you getting out and meeting people in your neighborhood, you are doing something good for your community. Did I mention that most runs offer a cool t-shirt to those who participate? So get out there, hit the track, run the trails, or settle for the open road, there is nothing stopping you from reaching your goals.

If the photography in this post has inspired you, please be sure to take a moment and visit these etsy shops. For Running Away print, please visit ArtunderCJ. Into Parts Unknown can be found at SaraTeresa in addition to other fine prints and postcards. Once you've completed your run, be sure to stop by LauraElaineDesigns to scrapbook your memories. Visit LauraElaine's Blog for more running inspiration and motivation.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

I had a very busy day today, shuttling kids from one activity to the next. As I was packing lunches for everyone this morning I was trying to figure out how I was going to get my little one lunch in the twenty minutes she had between activities, so I packed a lunch for the two of us, thinking we'd eat in the car between activities.

Story hour ended a little early and as I was walking through the parking lot, I decided to take our lunch and have an impromtu picnic at the school playground. Little did I know this lunch was nourishment for the soul.

I found a quilt in the back of the car, grabbed our food and we were off. As we walked to a perfect spot under a shade tree I felt myself physically slowing down. Walking slower behind my daughter and listening to her excitement over eating a sandwich in the park. We were serenaded by songbirds as we talked about the stories we just read at the library and all the friends she had just met. Time began to slow and I found myself breathing easier, taking in the surroundings and really listening to what my three year old was telling me.

After lunch we even had a little time to hit the playground and slide down the slide. When was the last time you slid down a slipper slide? If it hasn't been recently, I highly recommend it. I don't know what was more exhilerating - the slide or my three year old's squeal of delight that mommy was sliding! Our whole lunch lasted thirty minutes and it was off to the next activity, but it felt that just for a few minutes time stood still.

My challenge for you this week is to eat at least one meal outside. The next time you find yourself at a fast food drive thru, pull over at the first patch of grass you see. Get out of your car and eat outside. I believe the food tastes better in the fresh air. If your really feeling frisky, kick your shoes off and actually feel the grass between your toes. It will give you the boost you need to get through the rest of your day.

Please take a moment to check out TheFarmersWifeCT to add this lovely picnic basket to your next outing. If your looking for your own quilt to travel with, please take a moment to check out TheArtistsHouse as well as her blog.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Hello and Welcome to my little neck of the internet. Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee while we slip back in time to a simpler way of life. With all the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it's easy to overlook the simple things in life that bring us joy, allow us to reflect on the past and take pleasure in the present. This is your stop to get a little dose of simplicity in your day's hectic schedule.

Allow me to share with you how this blog started and just what is in a name. Almost a year ago I opened an Etsy Shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieWindDesigns. It has been a wonderful experience that I continue to grow with. This blog gets its beginnings from my Etsy shop and all the wonderful finds and friends I have made there. Throughout the year I have been fortunate to be featured on many blogs and over time I plan to feature some of my favorite shops and artisans here on this blog.

No-tion -noun

1. a general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something

2. an opinion, view, or belief

3. conception or idea

4. a fanciful or foolish idea; whim

5. an ingenius article, device, or contrivance; knickknack

6. notions, small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon and other personal items

Much of what you will find in this blog are my notions - a sprinkle of knickknacks, a dash of ideas, and a cup full of views. But what I hope you will find on this blog above all else is inspiration. I plan to include the simple, everyday things in life that inspire me.

I grew up on a farm in southwest Kansas. I love the prairie. I feel the prairie has played a big part into shaping me into the person I am today. Growing up working the ground and having the faith the seeds you plant today will be the harvest you reap tomorrow. With the prairie comes wind and the winds of change have blown my life in many directions. First separting me from those Kansas sunsets to find myself among the majestic mountains of Montana. I love Montana. Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to sharing the simple pleasures in our everyday life with you during our time together.
Please take a moment to visit these featured Etsy Shops:
For the Vintage Coffee Canister visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nellielovesvintage
For the 1800s Antique Button Rings visit:http://www.etsy.com/shop/vaartsuppliescom
For the Fence Post in the Grass and other fine photography visit:http://www.etsy.com/shop/judemcconkey

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About Me

Growing up on a farm in Kansas, I learned the value of making something with my hands. My grandmother was the master of making something out of nothing - using whatever scraps she had to make needed items.
While I didn't take to sewing as a teenager, I found comfort in sitting at my machine those lonely nights while my husband was deployed. I learned to quilt while expecting our first child, and have been hooked on creating with fabric ever since!